Key result
Radiofrequency ablation terminates focal atrial tachycardia via SVC isolation, leaving one patient arrhythmia-free at 6 months.
Why the study?
The superior vena cava is a known source of focal atrial tachycardias that can trigger atrial fibrillation or flutter, and focal ablation is used to eliminate these arrhythmogenic foci.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Focal ablation of SVC tachycardia can inadvertently cause complete electrical isolation of the SVC, demonstrating that the tachycardia can persist within the isolated structure without affecting the atria.
Inadvertent SVC isolation may restore atrial sinus rhythm during focal ablation; leaves open whether intentional isolation offers therapeutic benefit.
The superior vena cava (SVC) is known to be a potential source of focal atrial tachycardias. Not uncommonly these tachycardias trigger atrial fibrillation or flutter. Focal ablation is safe and effective in eliminating arrhythmogenic foci within the SVC. We present the case of a patient with focal atrial tachycardia arising from the SVC. During presumably focal ablation inadvertent electrical isolation of the SVC from the right atrium was achieved, with restoration of sinus rhythm in the atria and persistence of the tachycardia within the SVC.
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Stoyanov et al. (2012) conducted a case report in Focal atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation (n=1). Radiofrequency catheter ablation was evaluated on Termination of tachycardia and restoration of sinus rhythm. Radiofrequency catheter ablation successfully isolated the superior vena cava from the right atrium, terminating the focal atrial tachycardia and leaving the patient arrhythmia-free at 6 months.
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